Review of new features some you've never seen before!
Epson's goal is to recreate the experience of a 3D cinema in your own home. This means the 2D projector performance (the one you'll use the most?) is even better than before.
Review of new features some you've never seen before!
Wireless models (W) can handle a 3D data stream.
In 2D mode there is a new Split Screen function.
Brightest 3D projectors available in this price range.
16:9 Aspect ratio.
Epson have a new range of 3D 3-LCD Home Cinema projectors. They all feature 2 X 3D colour modes. They all come standard with 2 pairs of 3D shutter glasses except for the TW5900. The TW5900 / TW6000 & TW6000W offer a 1.6x optical zoom and 2.1x zoom can be found on the TW8000 and TW9000W. All Epson 3D projector models have 2 X HDMI inputs.
The W versions are white in case colour and have HD Wireless connectivity.
The EH TW9000-W offers frame interpolation and 2D to 3D conversion. (Simulate 3D, more on this below)
EH-TW5900 - HD 20,000:1 contrast ratio, 1080p HD, 2,000 lumens output & two colour modes in 3D.
There are no 3D glasses included.
If you're wondering what we mean by 3D made it into projectors you can actually watch it relates to our dislike of most single chip DLP projectors projecting 2D, 3D would in our opinion be a very bad decision for people that "see rainbows" already.
It's worth the wait for 3-LCD 3D Home Cinema.
EPSON Projector EH-TW6000
EH-TW6000W - HD 2,400 lumens and contrast ratios of up to 40,000:1. 2x pairs of active 3D shutter glasses included.
A note about 3D dynamic contrast ratio. (all models) If the 2D figure is 40,000:1 the 3D figure can be as low as 1,600:1.
Using the new Split Screen feature, other projector features may not be available and some settings may be automatically applied to both images.
We talk a lot about contrast ratio , this is important in a very dark room watching dark scenes however high ratios are no easily obtained with 3D projection because of the sequential nature of the images. Hence contrast ratios quoted here are for 2D projection, 3D measurements may be around 5%-10% of 2D.
Most 3D movies are going for the "WOW" factor and don't make a big deal of 3D in dark scenes. We believe 3D will always be a bit of a fad till such time as you can watch it without special glasses. If you're now thinking "I really wanted a higher contrast ratio on 3D" which is just getting stuck up on technicalities then you'd look at a higher "native" contrast ratio.
For example of higher native contrast see the JVC range .
EH-TW8000 - 200,000:1 contrast ratio, four 3D colour modes, frame interpolation and two pairs of active 3D shutter glasses.
The TW8000 is a cut down version of the TW9000W. It does not have the following features that are found on the EH TW 9000 W:.
Naturally you can't turn 2D into real 3D but think how your receiver-amp changes stereo into simulated surround sound.
In the example below you can see how some smart image manipulation can make a 2D image seem like it's 3D.
2D image converted to 3D (http://www.erich3d.com/)
EPSON EH-TW9000W - 2,400 lumens and high contrast ratios of up to 200,000:1, two pairs of active 3D shutter glasses.
Key Features
200,000:1 High Contrast Ratio - Bright whites and deep blacks for stunning image quality
High Brightness 3D - Full HD, 480Hz active shutter technology allows you to enjoy thrilling 3D adventures in the comfort of your own home
THX Certification and ISF Calibration - Accurate and exceptional image quality
2D - 3D Conversion - Easily transform 2D images to spectacular 3D
Two Anamorphic Lens Modes (Stretch and Squeeze) - Enables 2.35:1 anamorphic viewing without an external processor
Split Screen Feature - Project two images side-by-side, making sure you don't miss out on any of the action
Wireless Transmitter
-W stands for Wireless enabled Full HD 3D projector.
The Wireless HD specification is based on a 7 GHz channel in the 60 GHz Extremely High Frequency radio band. It allows for either compressed (H.264) or uncompressed digital transmission of high-definition video and audio and data signals, essentially making it equivalent of a wireless HDMI. Requires line of sight between transmitter and receiver.
Range is in-room, at up to 10m.
Usable frequency 60 GHz band (2 – 3 ch)
AC adapter 4.75 – 5.25 V DC
Transmission range 32 feet (10 m)
Wireless HD standards Conforms to Wireless HD Ver. 1.0a
Why did Epson make the Wireless models white? This is the only downer in the whole range as a serious home cinema buff would not have a white ceiling. Not a problem if you have a white ceiling.
*All specifications are subject to change without notice. Please check with Epson Australia if a specification effects your purchase decision.
Unlike 1-Chip DLP projectors there is no spinning colour wheel in the EPSON 3LCD projectors to cause "rainbows" this is a consideration for some people that are sensitive to them.
This would be twice the problem watching 3D.
Public areas such as schools should never use single chip DLP projectors for 3D material in our opinion.
Conclusion
If you don't want 3D then the previous models (TW3200, TW3600) offer higher CR plus lens shift and more zoom than some models in the new 3D range for less.
There was nothing wrong with the last Epson Home Cinema range, Epson have simply added 3D & limited wireless capability.
3D for many is a fad but none the less impressive. So show your friends but don't spend all day watching 3D as it's better in small doses.
Epson's 3D performance is nowhere near the 2D performance of the new projectors (which is awesome) reason being the images must be sequenced however as far as fads go all Epson EH TW models are hard to beat for the money.
HCC reviews 
September 2011 
